Maximus was another impressive 2029 LB at the spring Showcase. The Greendale product actually did some rotating between RB and LB throughout the day. My first major takeaway was that the 2029 LB/RB already looks the part with his 6’3″ 205 lbs frame. A frame that is well built, but clearly has room to continue to fill out over the coming years. During the combine Ward put up a 4.8 laser timed 40, 8’10.5″ broad, 7.62 L-Drill, and a 4.78 shuttle. Every one of those numbers were drastically improved from the winter showcase back on November 30th. Clearly the 2029 has been putting in the work this offseason.

On the field I was able to watch Maximus closely in the run game drills where he again was rotating between both RB and LB. The big man is a natural at accelerating downhill to close very quickly. That same burst could be seen when he carried the ball too. He is at his best when he can lean on that one cut or downhill play style. I’m excited to see if he plays both ways this fall for Greendale. Don’t overlook the talented 2029.

This young pup has had a very good and early start to his varsity career. The 6’2″ 205 pound Freshman has been able to contribute to his varsity program because of his size, physicality, and understanding of the game. You don’t usually see a Freshman anchoring the second line of defense, but this one continues to show how poised he is in his evaluations.

Now Max did get to play a little bit of varsity, but I believe 2026 is the breakout year where we see LB1 consistently contributing on Fridays. 7 of the top 8 tacklers for the Greendale defense graduates, leaving plenty of open spots around the front seven open. That is where Ward will be able to step in and contribute. The 6’2″ 185 lbs LB is showing the instincts for the position. He flows with the play, maintaining his gap and coming down to meet the ball in the hole. He is learning how to navigate through all the trash in the front seven and has flashed the ability to keep himself clean of the hands of OL. Size, instincts, and range are great building blocks to work with. I’m looking for a breakout year from Maximus this fall.